Lawmakers in Louisiana are considering moving the University of New Orleans (UNO) back to the LSU System. This decision comes as UNO faces significant financial challenges.
Originally established as Louisiana State University in New Orleans in 1958, UNO was moved to the University of Louisiana System in 2011. House Speaker Phillip DeVillier and Senate President Cameron Henry recently asked the Board of Regents to study the benefits of moving UNO back to LSU. They believe that a transition could help with the university’s ongoing budget and enrollment issues.
DeVillier mentioned that the study’s goal is to explore whether this move could stabilize UNO’s finances and attract more students. Meanwhile, University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot stated he wasn’t consulted about the request, but he is ready to provide any needed information for the Regents’ study.
UNO currently faces a budget shortfall of $10 million and has frozen spending, which has led to layoffs and furloughs. Their enrollment has also dropped significantly, from around 17,000 students before Hurricane Katrina to just 6,488 in fall 2024. This declining enrollment has been a major factor in their financial struggles.
When UNO was moved to the University of Louisiana System, many alumni supported the switch, feeling the university was overlooked while part of LSU. However, concerns are rising again about the stability of UNO amid financial troubles, sparking fears of controversial proposals like changes in administration or alliances that were considered in the past.
As the Board of Regents begins its study, the outcome could impact the future of the University of New Orleans and its ability to recover from its current crisis.
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